"My mother's very well to-day—quite her old self. I have just been up with her. It is odd, but for thirty years she has never expressed any interest in Beaminster. Now she is impatient to be there."
"One often, I think, has a sudden longing for places."
"Yes. I shall be glad myself to be there again."
"This house?"
"Oh! we shall shut it up—for the time Lord John will come down to Beaminster with us. I have spoken to Norris, but to-morrow morning, if you don't mind, we will go through things."
"Certainly."
"The house has not been shut for a great number of years—a very great number. During the last thirty years through the hottest weather my mother was here.
"It will seem strange ..." Her voice trembled.
"Is there anything more this afternoon?" Lizzie turned to the door.
"No, I think not. Except—perhaps ..." Lady Adela was in great agitation. Her eyes sought Lizzie, beseeching her help.